Miami Premises & Property Injury Lawyer – Premises Liability Claims

If you or a loved one were injured on someone else’s property in Miami, you may have a valid premises liability claim. Rafaeli Law PLLC helps injury victims hold negligent property owners accountable for unsafe conditions that lead to serious accidents. From broken staircases to dimly lit parking garages, our team has the experience and local insight to navigate complex property injury cases throughout Miami-Dade County.

Why Miami Property Injuries Are a Serious Concern

With over 2.7 million residents and millions more visiting each year, Miami-Dade County sees a high volume of premises liability claims. According to the Florida Department of Health, falls are the leading cause of non-fatal injury hospitalizations in the state, many of which occur on unsafe public or private properties.

In high-traffic areas like Downtown Miami, Miami Beach, and Wynwood, hazards such as uneven sidewalks, broken handrails, inadequate security, or poor lighting can quickly lead to life-altering injuries. In fact, slip-and-fall accidents alone account for over 25,000 emergency visits annually in the county.

To learn more about injury patterns, visit Miami-Dade County Injury Surveillance.

What Is Premises Liability Law in Florida?

Premises liability law holds property owners, landlords, and occupiers legally responsible for maintaining safe conditions on their premises. If they fail to correct or warn about hazards—and someone is injured as a result, they may be liable for damages.

Under Florida law, owners owe a duty of care to:

  • Invitees: Customers, tenants, or guests invited onto the property. These individuals are owed the highest duty of care, requiring regular inspections and prompt remediation of hazards.
  • Licensees: Social visitors or friends. Owners must warn these individuals of known dangers but are not required to inspect the property.
  • Trespassers (in limited cases): Especially children under the Attractive Nuisance Doctrine, such as unsecured pools or trampolines. Owners must take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm.

Rafaeli Law PLLC understands these legal distinctions and how to prove fault under state statutes and case law. We take pride in our attention to legal nuances that can make or break a claim.

Learn more about our work in similar cases on our premises liability practice area page.

Common Types of Premises & Property Injury Cases in Miami

Our law firm represents clients in a broad range of property-related injury claims. These include:

  • Slip & Fall Accidents – Slippery floors, spills, or uneven flooring can cause serious injuries such as broken hips, spinal damage, and head trauma. Businesses often neglect to post warning signs or clean up hazards in a timely manner. According to the CDC, falls cause over 800,000 hospitalizations nationwide each year, many of which occur in commercial spaces. Learn more about  Miami Slip & Fall Lawyer
  • Negligent Security – Assaults and robberies are often the result of poor lighting, broken locks, or lack of security personnel. These cases are common at apartment complexes, hotels, and parking garages. Studies show that 30% of violent crimes on private property could have been prevented with proper security. Related: Negligent Security Lawyer Miami
  • Drowning & Pool Injuries – Unfenced pools, missing safety equipment, or poor supervision can result in devastating child drownings or near-drownings. Florida leads the nation in child drowning deaths, especially in residential pools. Explore: Miami Drowning & Pool Accident Lawyer
  • Construction Site Injuries – Improperly marked construction zones, unsecured scaffolding, or debris can lead to catastrophic injuries. Property owners and contractors have a duty to maintain safe work sites, even for passersby. Find out how we handle complex accident cases like these on our personal injury page.
  • Elevator and Escalator Malfunctions – Poorly maintained machinery can result in crushing injuries, amputations, or permanent disability. These cases often require engineering experts and code violation investigations.
  • Dog Bites and Animal Attacks – Property owners can be liable for failing to restrain aggressive pets under Florida’s strict liability dog bite laws. Victims may suffer puncture wounds, infections, or lasting emotional trauma. For related injury support, explore our product liability page.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Property Injury?

Depending on the case, the following parties may be legally responsible:

  • Commercial property owners (retail stores, restaurants, malls) are expected to inspect and maintain their premises regularly.
  • Landlords and property managers (apartment complexes, condos) must address tenant-reported hazards and follow building safety codes.
  • Private homeowners may be liable for dangerous conditions like broken stairs or dog attacks.
  • Government entities (parks, sidewalks, municipal buildings) can be sued under specific procedures, but claims require swift action.
  • Event organizers (fairs, festivals, pop-up markets) must ensure temporary setups are safe and accessible to the public.

To see how we’ve held different types of defendants accountable, visit our case results page.

Proving Fault in a Miami Premises Liability Claim

To successfully recover compensation, your attorney must prove:

  1. A dangerous condition existed on the property. This could be a wet floor, loose railing, or broken security system.
  2. The owner knew—or should have known—about the hazard. This is called “constructive knowledge.”
  3. They failed to correct or warn about it. Often, this is shown through lack of warning signs or maintenance logs.
  4. That failure directly caused your injuries and damages. Medical records, surveillance footage, and witness statements can establish causation.

Visit our blog to explore case studies and legal tips on documenting evidence after an injury.

Miami Premises Injury Case Table

Case Type

Injury

Location

Result

Slip and Fall at Retail Store

Broken ankle, surgery

Miami-Dade Mall

$275,000 settlement

Assault in Apartment Lot

Head injury, PTSD

North Miami

$500,000 settlement

Pool Drowning

Child fatality

Private residence

$1.1M compensation

Sidewalk Trip & Fall

Wrist fracture

Downtown Miami

$150,000 award

Damages You Can Recover in a Premises Liability Lawsuit

Victims of unsafe premises may be eligible for:

  • Medical expenses (past & future): Including emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and specialist consultations.
  • Lost income or reduced earning potential: Particularly if your injury prevents you from returning to work or requires a career change.
  • Pain and suffering: For physical pain and the emotional toll of the injury.
  • Emotional distress: Including anxiety, PTSD, or depression stemming from the trauma.
  • Scarring or permanent disability: Such damages often increase total compensation.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to perform daily activities, hobbies, or social functions.
  • Wrongful death damages: For families who’ve lost a loved one due to unsafe conditions.

See how we’ve helped real clients on our testimonials page.

Why Choose Rafaeli Law PLLC as Your Personal Injury Lawyer

With decades of experience and deep local knowledge of Miami-Dade courts, our team offers:

  • Personalized attention and direct access to an experienced attorney.
  • No fees unless we win your case, zero upfront costs.
  • In-depth investigations and early preservation of key evidence.
  • Strong negotiation with insurance companies and opposing counsel.
  • Trial-tested strategies ready for courtroom litigation when needed.

We’re proud to be recognized for our results-driven approach and compassionate client service. Explore our attorneys and client testimonials.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Florida?

Under the Florida statute of limitations, most premises liability cases must be filed within two years of the injury. However, certain claims (like those involving government-owned property) have shorter deadlines and strict notice requirements.

Florida’s Sovereign Immunity Law requires notice to be filed within 180 days for cases involving public property or city/county departments. Missing these deadlines may forfeit your rights entirely.

Review additional legal disclaimers for full details on your rights.

What to Do After a Property Injury in Miami

Follow these steps to strengthen your case and protect your legal rights:

  • Report the incident to the property manager or owner.
  • Request a written incident report, and keep a copy.
  • Take photos or videos of the hazard and surrounding area before it is fixed.
  • Get medical attention immediately—even if injuries seem minor.
  • Avoid discussing the incident with insurers or signing waivers.
  • Contact a premises liability attorney immediately for a free case review.

Speak With a Miami Property Injury Lawyer Today

If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property in Miami, don’t wait to get legal help. Rafaeli Law PLLC is here to hold negligent property owners accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call us today at 954-365-5639 or contact us online for a free consultation. We serve clients throughout Miami, Coral Gables, North Miami, and all of South Florida.

Protect your rights. Secure your future.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the average settlement for a premises liability case in Miami?

Settlements vary widely, but many range from $100,000 to over $1 million, depending on injury severity, liability clarity, and insurance coverage.

2. Can I sue my landlord for an injury in Miami?

Yes, landlords can be held liable if they fail to repair known hazards or violate building codes that lead to tenant injuries.

3. How long does a premises liability case take in Miami?

On average, a case can take 6 months to 2 years to resolve, depending on complexity, insurance response, and whether it goes to trial.

4. What if I was partially at fault for my injury?

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages as long as you were not more than 50% at fault.

5. Are premises liability claims difficult to win in Florida?

They can be challenging. Success often depends on gathering strong evidence such as incident reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage.

6. Do I need a lawyer for a minor slip and fall in Miami?

Even minor falls can result in lasting injuries. A lawyer can help assess your case value and protect your rights against insurance tactics.

7. Who is responsible if I'm injured at a Miami shopping center?

Multiple parties may be liable: property owners, tenants, maintenance crews, or security companies. An attorney will investigate all angles.

8. What damages can I recover from a property injury in Miami?

Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and in some cases, punitive damages.

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If you are facing a personal injury or insurance dispute, Rafaeli Law PLLC is here to help. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you secure the compensation you deserve.